New Jersey adds Albany assistant

Published on August 21, 2002 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


Albany, NY - The New Jersey Devils today expanded their coaching staff by naming Gates Orlando as an assistant coach of the American Hockey League's Albany River Rats. He joins a staff that includes Head Coach Dennis Gendron and Assistant Coaches Chris Terreri and Geordie Kinnear. The announcement was made by River Rats' General Manager Chris Lamoriello.

"Gates is an ideal individual to help in the development of our younger players," said Lamoriello. "He has had similar roles in Europe and the UHL, and we feel this is a new challenge for him."

Orlando, 39, spent the past two seasons as head coach at Adirondack (UHL), and in 2000-01 led the Icehawks to their first-ever division title. He also served as head coach of the Rochester Junior A Americans (NAHL) during the 1999-00 season. Orlando's professional playing career as a center spanned 15 seasons (1984-85 through 1998-99), including several seasons in Europe. He represented the Italian National Team at the World Championships ten consecutive years 1990 through 1999; and served in the dual role as player/assistant coach from 1996-99. Orlando also represented Italy in the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Winter Games.

The native of Montreal, Que. split his first three seasons as a pro 1984-85 through 1986-87 with Buffalo (NHL) and Rochester (AHL), posting 18 goals and 26 assists for 44 points and 51 penalty minutes in 98 career NHL games. He played four seasons at Providence College (ECAC), and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award in 1984. Orlando was Buffalo's tenth choice and 164th overall selection in the 1981 Entry Draft. He was born November 13, 1962. Gates and his wife, Karen, have three children: Nicolas (13), Allie (9), and Emma (7).

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